Numerical analysis of the rotor in the co-simulation methodology

Abstract

The co-simulation method in the composite analysis of the rotor enables connection between Multi Body Dynamics (MBD), Finite Element Method (FEM) and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) by using MATLAB code control algorithms. The idea of unidirectional analysis assumes the use of a rigid rotor model with implemented flexible elements of specific mass-rigidity properties, a special Modal Natural Frequency matrix. In this paper, the MBD model complemented with flexible elements was loaded with inertial forces and additional aerodynamic forces. These aerodynamic forces were determined from CFD analyses considering the aeroelasticity of the rotor blade (static and dynamic characteristics appropriate for a given aerodynamic airfoil). The validation of the computational model was performed on the basis of Virtual Blade Model analyses of the rotor, completed with additional algorithms based on the Blade Element Theory method.